In seventh grade, writing references lots of other writing. Seventh graders have been practicing searching for evidence (facts or details from a text they鈥檝e read that support an idea) and drawing conclusions about fiction and nonfiction they鈥檝e read. They’re learning to compare different texts or different versions of the same story. They鈥檙e also learning to appreciate the differences between words with near-identical definitions, such as delicate, fragile, vulnerable, and flimsy. It all adds up to more complex writing.
That said, writing practice should still be low-key and enjoyable and focus on the process rather than the product. The reason? Criticism can make adolescents reluctant to expose their ideas and reluctant to write — both of which are avoidable. So use these writing prompts for fun, for practice, and for a chance to try, try again. Remember, more time spent writing now means more writing skill in the future.
For more, read our overview of seventh grade writing skills.
10 7th grade writing prompts
Get out the vote
Should kids be allowed to vote? Why or why not?
Keep in mind: In the past several years, there has been an increase in young people getting involved in politics and running for office around the world. Many of the issues being voted on, such as education, healthcare, and the environment, will affect your generation significantly in the future.
Bonus: How can people under 18 influence politics without voting?
Lost and found
Describe a time when you lost an object that was important to you. What was it and why was it important? Did you find it?
Keep in mind: The lost object could be something really significant, or something trivial and funny. The goal here is to tell a story and include as many details as you can about the experience.
Bonus: Some of the most difficult losses aren’t objects at all. What else can you lose?
Famous failures
Write about a time you failed at something. Why is it important for people to experience failure? Did you learn something from your experience? Was it a valuable or damaging lesson?
Keep in mind: Albert Einstein famously said, “Failure is success in progress.” Yoda said, “The best teacher, failure is.” What points were they making?
Bonus: Can you think of any famous failures from history?
X games
What sport is not in the Olympics (or played professionally) but should be? Describe the sport and explain why you think it’s great.
Keep in mind: Some games and sports that are not in the Olympics include surfing, ultimate frisbee, kickball, dodgeball, parkour, and bowling. What, if anything, makes them different from Olympic sports?
Bonus: Write a letter to the Olympic committee and give 3 reasons why they should add your sport to the schedule.
Yuck factor
Would you rather be scared or grossed out? Explain why, and give examples.
Keep in mind: Both of these feelings are signs that your body is doing its job to protect you from harm 鈥� signaling you to flee from a predator, for example, or not eat something spoiled and potentially toxic. What do each of these feelings feel like? Can you think of a time you felt each?
Bonus: Design a haunted house that evokes both fear and revulsion.
Words from the wise
Write about the oldest person you know. What are some things they have taught you?
Keep in mind: It could be a relative or a family friend or anyone you have spent time with.
Bonus: Older people gained their wisdom in a different time. Is their advice relevant today? Give an example to show why or why not.
Binge-watching
Describe what it feels like to watch way too much TV.
Keep in mind: Think back on a time when you realized that there’s such a thing as too much of a good thing.
Bonus: What else is great in small doses鈥� until it isn’t?
Character flaw
Name a fictional character who you can’t stand. What about that character bugs you? How do other characters in the book, TV show, or movie respond to that person?
Keep in mind: Characters are created by writers to evoke certain feelings and provoke certain situations. Do you think this character is a success because the writer intended that they drive you crazy? Or is the character a failure because you鈥檙e supposed to find them likeable?
Bonus: If the writer asked for your advice on how to make the character more likeable, how would you recommend that their personality change?
Thrill ride
Imagine you鈥檙e hired to design an amusement park ride. Explain what it does, what it looks like, and whether or not it has a theme. How old do kids have to be to go on your ride?
Keep in mind: You can incorporate magical or impossible elements into your ride if you want. Time travel? Space travel? Light speed? Becoming microscopic and traveling through the human body? Anything goes.
Bonus: Draw your ride or create it in a graphic design program or in Minecraft.
Appearances can be deceiving
People often seem different on the outside than who they really are inside. Can you think of something that others think about you, but in fact you鈥檙e different inside? Explain this misreading, why you think it happens, and what the truth is.
Keep in mind: The human brain uses shortcuts to help us understand new things. But when we fall back on 鈥渟hortcuts鈥� about people, they can be based on damaging stereotypes, not on reality. Have you ever realized you were making assumptions about someone based on a stereotype? How did you realize your mistake?
Bonus: Describe yourself in the 3rd person in the voice of someone very different than you. What gets distorted and misunderstood?
